Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said they are committed to safeguarding the religious freedom of every citizen of the country, reports UNB.
He said this when Stephen Schneck, Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), met him at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.
Their discussions encompassed the state of religious freedom in Bangladesh, the July 2024 uprising, the interim government's reform agenda, proposed constitutional amendments and the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
Prof Yunus underscored the significant role of religion in Bangladesh and reaffirmed the government's dedication to ensuring religious harmony in the country of 171 million people.
Regarding allegations of violence against minorities, Dr Yunus emphasised the interim government's commitment to transparency by inviting journalists worldwide to visit Bangladesh and assess the situation firsthand. "Any journalists can visit Bangladesh anytime. Many have visited the country since the uprising," he said.
Prof Yunus expressed concern over orchestrated disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the July uprising and undermining minority rights in the subsequent months.
He highlighted massive efforts from external sources, including media from the South Asia region, to portray the uprising as an Islamist extremist movement.
"We are striving hard to build religious harmony in the country," he noted, adding that violence targeting the minorities in the South Asia region and the genocide in Palestine exacerbated tensions domestically.
Schneck enquired about the activities of the reform commissions and the proposed constitutional changes following the uprising.
Prof Yunus stated that any constitutional amendments would uphold religious freedom and minority rights in Bangladesh.
